Success stories

Winking to structural tubing

With the purchase of its Lasertube LT8, Gatti & Frigerio Srl, Italy, is pursuing a strategy designed to diversify end markets

The Gatti & Frigerio Srl was founded back in 1963 by Mr.
Gatti and Mr. Frigerio, who recently welcomed us to their
production facility located in Alserio, in the province of Como.
The company employs about 60 people and operates as subcontractor
of semi-finished products mainly in the laboratory equipment
industry, which is one of the few industries apparently not
affected by the current economic crisis. According to Mr. Frigerio,
among all the events that have occurred during the past years of
activity, the application of laser technology in manufacturing
processes has been a key step in the growth of the company. This
important change took place about 10 years ago, when the first
laser cutting systems for sheet metal were introduced and, at the
same time, the company´s facilities were extended with the purchase
of two additional factory units. Five years later, a second
critical step was taken with the introduction of the first
Lasertube machine, an ADIGE LT702. To some extent, this was a bit
of a gamble, says Mr. Frigerio. While he really and profoundly
believed in the great potential of tube laser cutting, in the
beginning, he had to battle to convince customers of the countless
advantages and opportunities of this new technology. Fortunately,
the subsequent positive developments proved him right, and, after
two years, the company purchased the second Lasertube, the LT712
model, and recently, to complete its range of equipment, the Gatti
& Frigerio Srl has purchased also one ADIGE LT8 system, which
is considered the most advanced laser tube processing system on the
market.

From the tube bundle to the finished product

Prior to using laser cutting systems, the tubes were cut with
ADIGE sawing machines and then processed through sequential
production stages: cutting, deburring, drilling etc. The production
flow was continuously interrupted due to the need to move material
from one work station to another. Laser technology has
significantly simplified and optimized the production flow. In
fact, laser cutting has replaced many of traditional operations
with a single production stage which starts from the raw tube
bundle and ends with the finished product, ready to be welded. One
interesting feature of the laser systems is the "cut-bend"
function. Where 'v' notches are cut into the tube allowing it to be
bent by hand into a the final structure from a single piece of
tube. This function consists in the possibility of cutting precise
notches on the tube, to perform then on it different angles and
multiple bends, thus obtaining one final work piece. In addition to
simplifying the welding fixtures and the welding process, this
function facilitates logistics in the workshop, as only one piece
of tube has to be handled, resulting in significant time and cost
savings,. The company works with the drawings provided by its
customers. However, even if the customer has a clear idea of the
final product and wants it to be made in accordance to the
drawings, usually, they are very receptive to any knowledgeable
suggestions based on the wealth of laser expertise from Gatti &
Frigerio. As a result, the traditional customer - supplier
relationship turns into a successful partnership.

Larger tube diameters, but what a performance level!

Their recently acquired ADIGE LT8 laser system opens up Gatti
& Frigerio's job shop services for the bigger dimensioned tube
market.. The ability to process larger tube diameters, up to 220 mm
with the LT8, allows them to diversify into new enduser markets and
to compete in all sectors demanding larger tube diameters, such as
the structural building, construction machinery and the furniture
industries. There are still market sectors, where the demand is
growing but the supply is not sufficient to fully cover it. As Mr.
Frigerio points out, the increase in tube capacity has not slowed
down the output productivity of the LT8, on the contrary, it is
even faster by comparison their two previous two machines. Finally,
another important characteristic of the LT8, particularly valuable
given the increasing size and thickness of tubes, is the 3D cutting
head. To conclude, Mr. Frigerio emphasizes his satisfaction with
the relationship that his company and the BLM Group have been able
to build; a strong relationship based on trust and continuous
commitment. It is not only about providing the customer with a good
service, it is even more important to support him in finding the
best solutions to suit his requirements.